I think that the first company to go public with barcodes was
Zebra . Take a look at their web site to see how the technology works. I beleve that its possible to download code/product listings, as companies are charged for the ability to get a code listing. Like registering for an
ISB number .- Another place you will see barcodes.-
To generate new barcodes, or at least make up your own, get a bar code font.
1001free Fonts.com has at least one. But its Windows only. A font called 3 of 9 is another free barcode font that I have run into, but I cant find it now. In any case,
this might help you convert fonts that you find into a more compatible format.
MacroMedia.com makes
Fontographer , it might allow for font conversion, as well as creating your own technology compliant TTF bar codes. There is student pricing, but dont expect an OSX version anytime soon.
Get yourself an old
Handspring and find a barcode scanner that works with the Springboard. Go to Handspring.com and browse the products listed for bar codes and inventory control. Some systems even include fonts and templets for Excell and the like so that you can get up and running from the day the box arives at your home.
Go overboard and go to
Macpos.com (careful on this one in search engines. The initials POS take a completely different meaning when associated with Mac for WinTell zellots.
) Now you an even keep track of your money. Just put a cash drawer under your Mac, and bamo- you know what you have taken out of your own personal till. You can charge yourself tax, sort your coins, even create coupons for your self to use in your own room.
A note of caution: I force myself to label everything (everything that I can put something in or that has a place to be stored). I have to. I cant stay organized if I dont. I think bar codes are a little obsessive, but hey, my boss makes fun of me because I labeled every cable in the studio so that I know where if should of come from and where it should go.)
another Mac POS link.
An article that might help some. 
